BRIDGETON — In the realm of “plant-based beverages” Bridgeton is at the forefront.

If it’s a term you’ve never heard, it is a product you’ve surely seen.

The WhiteWave plant here on Rosenhayn Avenue is pumping out thousands of gallons of soy and almond-based milk alternatives every day.

Plant Manager John Bodrog gave The News not only a tour of the 150,000 square facility but some insight into its local impact.

“There is more Silk produced here than any of the (company’s) other plants,” said Bodrog.

He’s not talking about the fabric.

Silk is a non-dairy drink available as an option to cow milk. It is made mostly from non-genetically modified soybeans, water and natural flavoring. Almond-based versions of the product, made from a paste base, are also available.

For those who don’t consume animal products, “or for people who just want to eat better,” Bodrog has plenty of Silk for sale.

To make about 180,000 gallons a day, there are 18, 2,500 pound bags per truck arriving daily.

The figures may be dizzying but there is a story as to how it got this way.

In 2004, the WhiteWave plant was acquired by Dean Foods. The company then condensed their branded groups and products.

Locally, the Bridgeton plant changed hands and Bodrog came into the picture in 2006.

At that time, the full-time employee roster totaled 70. It is presently 106 and 80 percent of that figure is from Cumberland County.

What’s more, 50 percent of them are from Bridgeton and there has never been a layoff implemented in the five years Bodrog has worked here. They also pay close to $68,000 in taxes for the 16 acre lot assessed at $2,470,300.

According to county employment figures of non-government entities from last winter, WhiteWave is on par with BJ’s Wholesale Club in Vineland and Cumberland Insurance Group in Bridgeton.

For the most part, a carton of soy milk at your supermarket contains water, soybeans, vitamins and flavoring.

Each of those ingredients played an important part in production behind the front offices.

Bodrog seemed to be on a first name basis with everybody when walking around. He provided a tour, from start to finish, of production.

What follows is a crash course;The soy beans arrive, minus their pods, in very tall and very heavy bags. The beans are grinded down and cut with water until a liquid mixture is achieved.Flavorings, sugar and vitamins will later be added and the blend will be homogenized. It will then be cooled back down and stored until packaged.The containers are coded with an expiration date and head off on a conveyor belt for the warehouse to await being picked up.

Some expansion projects are being planned. “It’s not going to increase headcount but it’s laying the foundation,” said Bodrog.